INFO > “Pretty Boys And Pretty Girls” is taken from Book Of Love’s sophomore album, 1988’s “Lullaby”. Over an insistent beat and sparkling synths, the song’s lyrics allude to the then-burgeoning AIDS epidemic, which received little exposure at the time despite the disease’s deadly impact. “Lullaby” opens with a cover of Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” segueing into “Pretty Boys And Pretty Girls”; that concept is expanded for the epic ‘Regan’s House Medley’ (a reference to the lead character from “The Exorcist”).

Book Of Love’s beginnings trace back to 1980, when Philadelphia College Of Art classmates Susan Ottaviano, Jade Lee, and Celeste Ries formed avant-garde group Head Cheese. Their sole recorded output was a 7″ EP released via independent Burn Potential Records. The single’s sleeve features photos by Susan’s friend, Ted Ottaviano (not related). An arty video was created to accompany the trio’s quirky ode to Philly, “Jungle Jam”:

Two year later, Susan produced “I’d Rather Be In Philadelphia”, a compilation album featuring contributions from local artists including Pretty Poison and Executive Slacks. Included on that LP is the first effort by Susan, Jade, and Ted as Book Of Love (although the tune was derived from the Head Cheese period—the band’s synthpop style was yet to develop).

In 1984, Lauren Roselli, one of Ted’s friends at the School Of Visual Arts, joined the band (now relocated to New York) and helped them to secure a label deal. Roselli passed on a demo tape to DJ/producer Ivan Baker (aka Ivan Ivan), who in turn presented it to Sire Records head Seymour Stein. With Stein impressed, Book Of Love were promptly signed. Following the success of their first 12″ dance hit, 1985’s “Boy”, three more singles were lifted from Book Of Love’s eponymous debut album. A support spot opening for Depeche Mode greatly helped to expand the group’s audience, as did their own tour as headliners.

Book of Love released eleven singles and four albums during their career with Sire Records. After disbanding in 1993, the group reunited in 2001 to promote a greatest hits collection, and then again in 2009 when their back catalog was reissued by the Noble Rot label.